A possible Efimov trimer state in a 3-component lithium-6 mixture

TL;DR

This paper investigates the existence of an Efimov trimer state in a three-component lithium-6 mixture, proposing it as an explanation for observed three-body loss resonances in ultracold experiments.

Contribution

It demonstrates the theoretical possibility of an Efimov trimer state in lithium-6, aligning predicted resonance locations with experimental loss features.

Findings

Existence of an Efimov trimer state in lithium-6 mixture

Two zero-energy resonances consistent with observed losses

Theoretical framework explains loss maxima in experiments

Abstract

We consider the Efimov trimer theory as a possible framework to explain recently observed losses by inelastic three-body collisions in a three-hyperfine-component ultracold mixture of lithium 6. Within this framework, these losses would arise chiefly from the existence of an Efimov trimer bound state below the continuum of free triplets of atoms, and the loss maxima (at certain values of an applied magnetic field) would correspond to zero-energy resonances where the trimer dissociates into three free atoms. Our results show that such a trimer state is indeed possible given the two-body scattering lengths in the three-component lithium mixture, and gives rise to two zero-energy resonances. The locations of these resonances appear to be consistent with observed losses.